Ronaldo Leads Portugal Against Hungary in World Cup Quest
Portugal’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup makes its next stop in Budapest, where they face Hungary at the Puskás Aréna. The Seleção are coming into this game with plenty of confidence after demolishing Armenia 5-0 in their Group F opener. That performance reminded everyone of Portugal’s strength under Roberto MartÃnez, and once again, Cristiano Ronaldo was right at the center of it. At 40 years old, he continues to defy time, scoring twice in Yerevan and extending his record as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. He has already netted six goals in just as many appearances against Hungary, and that history makes him the man to watch.
Portugal’s dominance over Hungary has been overwhelming in past encounters. Out of nine competitive meetings, they’ve won eight and drawn once. Clean sheets have been a regular feature, with six of the last seven victories coming without conceding a goal. Their most famous clash remains the dramatic 3-3 draw at Euro 2016, when Ronaldo twice pulled Portugal level before they went on to win the tournament. More recently, at Euro 2020, Portugal opened with a 3-0 win over Hungary at this very stadium, with Ronaldo once again on the scoresheet.
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MartÃnez, though, has squad challenges to manage. Injuries have hit Portugal’s depth, with Diogo Dalot, Nélson Semedo, Rafael Leão, and Francisco Conceição all unavailable. Even so, the squad remains stacked with quality. Expect Bernardo Silva to return to the starting lineup, while Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos provide options around Ronaldo. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa continues as the safe pair of hands at the back, while Rúben Dias anchors the defense.
On the other side, Hungary enter this clash with mixed form. Marco Rossi’s men showed promise but faltered in their opening qualifier, drawing 2-2 with Ireland after squandering a two-goal lead and going down to ten men. They will also be without Roland Sallai, suspended after his red card in Dublin. Still, Hungary are not without weapons. Dominik Szoboszlai, their captain and star midfielder, remains the heartbeat of the side, while striker Barnabas Varga has been in good scoring form. Newly signed Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez adds extra bite to their counterattacks, and veteran defender Willi Orbán brings stability at the back.
Hungary will rely heavily on defensive discipline, counterattacks, and set pieces to challenge Portugal. But the odds lean toward the visitors. MartÃnez has emphasized that every game is crucial given the short qualifying format, and Portugal are determined to keep their momentum alive. More than tactics, it’s Ronaldo’s relentless drive that continues to inspire this team. His hunger to score and his leadership in the dressing room remain priceless, qualities that could once again prove decisive in Budapest.
All eyes are now on Tuesday night. Hungary will hope to spring a surprise, but Portugal, powered by experience, depth, and a captain who refuses to slow down, will be expected to push one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
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